DPT Career Pathways & Outcomes
Careers as a Doctor of Physical Therapy
Physical therapists (PTs) work with people of all ages and abilities in a variety of settings. PTs are movement experts who can improve patients' quality of life through prescribed exercises, hands-on care, and education—they help patients rehabilitate from injuries or surgeries, manage chronic conditions, and create healthy habits that can prevent future complications. Physical therapy can have a profound effect on people's life by restoring movement, reducing pain, preventing disability, and helping patients maintain or regain their independence.
A Doctor in Physical Therapy degree from an accredited program is needed to practice as a PT in the United States. Upon graduation, students must also pass a state licensure exam.
Physical Therapy Job Outlook
- Job growth rate for physical therapists is expected to be 11% between 2024 and 2034 (much higher than average)
- 2024 median income was $101,020 per year or $48.57 per hour in the United States
- Work is found in private offices and clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, traveling to patients’ homes, and can be done virtually with telehealth in some cases
- Physical therapist may work with a diverse patient base or may find employment for focused patient care in areas including but not limited to, acute, pediatric, cardiovascular and pulmonary, orthopaedic, and geriatric care
- Expected 13,200 jobs openings each year over the decade
Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Significant Graduate Outcomes
Each year, accredited DPT programs share critical data on graduate employment, which includes graduation rate, first time exam pass rate, licensure exam pass rate, and employment rate. We are pleased to report that a majority of our graduates succeed in ultimately passing the licensure exam and find employment after graduating. Take a closer look at our programs' outcomes.
Note: Seattle and Atlanta outcomes data will be reported after their first cohorts graduate and complete NPTE and employment surveys (Seattle: Fall 2026; Atlanta: Spring 2030).
| Outcome Measure | Boston | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Rate | 100% | 100% |
| % to pursue specialty certification | 84% | 64.5% |
| % employed pre-graduation | 59% | 39% |
| Starting salary mean (range) | $86,000 ($70,000-$115,000) | $94,643 ($78,000-$122,000) |
| % in an underserved area | 31.4% | 19.4% |
| % of students with some form of tuition remission | 20% | 39% |
| 2-year average First Time pass rate | 68.0% | 56.6% |
| 2-year average Ultimate NPTE pass rate | 94.2%* | 86.9%* |
*Updated final data will be shared once all students sit for the exam.